Setting the Stage
On 23 October 2025, Crystal Palace will host AEK Larnaca at Selhurst Park in London for the second game of the group stage of the UEFA Europa Conference League 2025‑26. This is a landmark European night for Palace: not only are they in the group phase proper but they’ll be playing at home in a major European competition for only the first time in the club’s history. Talksport+2Talksport+2
For AEK Larnaca, the fixture represents a major opportunity. The Cypriot side have made an impressive start to their European campaign and come into this match off the back of a statement win. Khel Now
In this article I’ll cover the background of both clubs heading into the match, their form and tactical outlook, key players, the storylines to watch, and make some thoughts on likely outcomes and implications.
Background & Recent Form
Crystal Palace
Palace have undergone something of a resurgence under their current management. They started their Conference League campaign strongly by defeating Dynamo Kyiv away. Talksport+1 Their home form is also noteworthy: they have been unbeaten for a considerable stretch at Selhurst Park. For example, one preview notes: “At home, Crystal Palace has gone seven consecutive games without losing.” Playmaker Stats
However, despite the good form, there are signs of inconsistency: they recently drew 3-3 with Bournemouth after trailing, and had a 2-1 defeat to Everton. Sky Sports+1
Team Crystal Palace
AEK Larnaca
AEK Larnaca arrive in London after a stunning 4-0 victory over AZ Alkmaar in their group opener. Talksport+1 This result has raised the profile of the Cypriot side in this group. Their recent form domestically and in Europe suggests the team are in good shape: “AEK Larnaca have secured four wins in their last five fixtures.” Khel Now
Nevertheless, despite their good home form, their away European record is less convincing: there is a note that they have been winless in their last four away European matches. GhanaSoccernet
Team AEK Larnaca
Tactical Outlook & Team News
Crystal Palace’s Approach
Palace are expected to continue with a system that balances solidity at the back with pace in attack. One preview suggests a possible 3-4-2-1 formation:
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Goalkeeper: Henderson
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Defence: Richards, Lacroix, Guéhi
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Midfield: Muñoz, Kamada, Wharton, Mitchell
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Attack: Sarr, Pino behind Mateta Khel Now
Key issues for Palace: they will be missing some personnel. Injuries to Cheick Oumar Doucouré and Chadi Riad, and the suspension of Borna Sosa, have been noted. Khel Now+1
One strength: home crowd, European momentum and confidence. One weakness: perhaps lacking a clean sheet routine recently, and occasional lapses in focus.
AEK Larnaca’s Approach
Larnaca are likely to be a bit more compact and pragmatic away from home, but with attacking threat. They often deploy a 4-2-3-1 formation according to previews:
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Defence: Alomerovic in goal; Godswill, Milicevic, Roberge, Gnali
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Midfield: Ledes, Pons (double pivot); Rohdén, Chacón, Rubio ahead
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Attack: Bajic up front Khel Now+1
Personnel issues: they will miss Enzo Cabrera, Kewin Komar and Ángel García through injury. Karol Angielski may also miss. Khel Now
Strengths: momentum from big win, confidence in attack. Weaknesses: less accustomed to high-level away European ties, and perhaps more susceptible defensively away from home.
Key Players to Watch
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For Palace:
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Jean‑Philippe Mateta – The striker who has been in form and could provide the cutting edge.
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Ismaïla Sarr – Pace and attacking threat from wide areas.
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Defence/back-three: Lacroix/Guéhi – their stability will matter vs Larnaca’s counter threat.
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For AEK Larnaca:
Storylines & Match Dynamics
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Palace’s European home debut – This is a historic moment for the club, hosting their first major European home match in the group stage. The pressure and thrill of this occasion may lift them.
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Can Larnaca build on their big away win? AEK’s 4-0 win over AZ was eye-catching. Will they carry that momentum into a tough away fixture?
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Home vs away dynamics – Palace are strong at home; Larnaca have been less reliable away in European competition.
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Goals and momentum swings – Previews suggest both teams can score and concede; matches could become open if one team pushes. For instance: “Over 0.5 goals have been scored in the second half of each of Larnaca’s last sixteen games.” BetMines
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Group implications – A win here would put Palace firmly in control of the group. Conversely, a result for Larnaca would be a major boost to their hopes of progressing.
Prediction & Likely Outcome
Based on the available data:
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Palace are favourites with home advantage, strong form, and European momentum.
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Larnaca have attacking quality, but away in London will be challenging.
Predicted result: Crystal Palace 2-1 AEK Larnaca or 3-1. Given injury absences and home factor, Palace to take the win but Larnaca may threaten.
Some statistical pointers:
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According to one model, Palace’s win probability: ~63.5%. BeSoccer
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Prediction sites suggest Palace to win but not necessarily blowout. GhanaSoccernet+1
Implications & What Happens Next
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For Palace: A win here would solidify their bid to qualify from the group and build confidence for domestic and European matches. The historic home European night would become a positive memory.
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For Larnaca: If they can secure a draw or better, it would be a major achievement and keep their qualification hopes alive. But a defeat would make the group much tougher.
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For the group dynamics: With only a few matches in the group stage, every point matters. A slip could shift momentum.
Final Thoughts
The match between Crystal Palace and AEK Larnaca promises to be a compelling European fixture. On one hand, Palace have the occasion, the home crowd and the momentum. On the other, Larnaca arrive with confidence and attacking flair and will believe they can cause an upset. While the favourites are clear, this kind of fixture in European competition often holds surprises.
For Palace fans: this is a night to savour. For Larnaca: an opportunity to make a statement. From a neutral perspective: expect an open game with goals, but likely leaning in favour of the home side.
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